The First Mate of Graduate Liberal Studies
Even as the 'front line person' for her office, Dink Suddaby heads to the coast to enjoy time on the water every month
Name: Dink SuddabyPosition: Staff assistant, Graduate Liberal StudiesYears at Duke: 30
What I do at Duke: I’m the front line person for the Graduate Liberal Studies program, which includes handling telephone calls and any walk-ins. I’m also our rep for Duke Student Government. I wear all sorts of different hats, whether it’s providing support to staff, implementing academic policies or helping students get enrolled.
Read MoreIf I had $5 million, I would: I’d invest a chunk of it and use some to help feed and support animal shelters to turn them into no-kill shelters. I don’t like to see any animal suffer. I can’t go to shelters because I’m so soft hearted that I’d come away with every animal to bring home. Dogs and cats tug at my heart. I have a foxhound mix dog, Tucker, and rescued a kitten last year, Lilly.
My first ever job: Switchboard operator and receptionist for Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia. I had been a student at the college pursuing an associate’s degree in secretarial science and a position opened up just as I finished my degree. I was secretary for the science and mathematics department and worked there for seven years.
My dream job: I can’t be an actress and I couldn’t be a singer, so I think I already have my dream job because I’ve always wanted to work in the college system.
If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: Bald eagles. I love them. Several years ago I got hooked on a webcam on a nest in a botanical garden in Northern Virginia. There were thousands of people watching this pair of bald eagles as their eggs hatched and it was mesmerizing. We became a little community of friends and I learned more about the bald eagle and find them fascinating.
The best advice I ever received: My dad told me to always treat people the way you want to be treated and you’ll never go wrong. It’s helped me all my life and it’s really true.
What I love about Duke: The people. I’m fortunate to work with the people in my program and the broader Duke community. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing students, too. The diversity of people is phenomenal.
When I’m not at work, I like to: Take trips down the coast to Emerald Isle and visit family, who have a 24-feet long skiff boat to go out onto the waterway. My husband and I try to get there at least once a month in the winter, but it’s almost every other weekend in the summer. Tucker even comes out with us on the boat.
An interesting/memorable day at work for me: Not long after I came to the Graduate Liberal Studies program, I received an honorable mention for the Presidential Award from President Nan Keohane. It’s so special to be recognized by your peers.
A Movie I like: I’ve always loved Gone with the Wind because I’m a southern girl and I was always fascinated by the Civil War. It’s my favorite book, too. I pull it out every three years or so and reread it.